Philippines - Mindanao Relief

The gas station where a local cleric saved dozens of lives by pleading with the terrorists not to torch the pumps.
Philippines, 2008

In August of 2008, terrorists attacked the town of Kolambugan, Western Mindanao, Philippines, indiscriminately killing men, women, and children, and burning their homes. As people ran inside the town’s mosque for shelter from the gunfire, the terrorists moved toward the gasoline pumps at the town gas station, preparing to torch them and burn the entire city. One local religious cleric went out to face the men, and begged for the lives of the women and children seeking refuge in the mosque next door. Eventually, the terrorists were persuaded to stop their attacks, without burning the gas station, but more than 100 people were taken hostage, civilians and police officers were killed, and the community was in a state of shock.


Through a local partner, HISG is helping the people of Kolambugan recover from the deadly raid and rebuild their city. In the months following the attack, we provided health kits, food and school supplies to families who had lost everything. We are currently offering trauma counseling, vocational training and community activities and workshops designed to bring people together to restore trust and peace in this village where terrorism has caused deep wounds.


Peace workshops are being offered to the youth of the community, which have been transformational. Recently, at a public meeting, a 12-year-old boy shared how his understanding of peace is now much more complete, and another girl described how the workshops have been exactly what the children needed to help put the horror of the terrorist attack behind them.


Together with our local partner, we have been able to bring holistic relief and development programs that are helping the local people to overcome the negative impact of the attacks and even bring the different factions in the community together, rather than drive them apart. Local government officials have praised HISG and our partner for helping these people in their profound need, regardless of religious orientation. Please contact us for further information, or click here if you would like to give a donation and partner with us in this effort.


This project has been tagged as an International Disaster Response project. Of the 14 IDR Primary Service Categories, activities took place in these areas.
International Disaster Response
1. Water Services

2. Food Services

3. Shelter Services

4. Medical Services

5. Individual Assistance Services
6. Personal Hygiene Services

7. Counseling and Spiritual Support

8. Physical Reconstruction Services

9. Logistics Management and Services

10. IT, Telecommunications
11. Special Needs Services

12. Donations Management

13. Professional Responders

14. Transition and Recovery
Want to learn more about the models developed by HISG for sustainable development and disaster response? Click here HIST Model or here IDR Model.


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